Anthropocentrism

Here's a fancy word for you: Anthropocentrism. It's basically the idea that human beings are at the center of all things on the planet and in the Universe. Think of it as arrogance and narcissism on a scale only human beings living under the rule of psychopaths could achieve. Some examples: in Christianity anthropocentrism exists as the human attitude of dominion over animals or 'lesser' life forms. Any sign of disrespect/abuse towards animals for instance, may be seen as a reflection of anthropocentric thinking; just because we can do whatever we like to do to animals means it's ok to. It's as though Christianity and other organized religions are saying that you, and whatever limited understanding of God you have, is all that matters.